Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel, Raleigh

Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel, Raleigh

The Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel, an enduring landmark in Raleigh, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and the evolution of its urban landscape. Constructed between 1923 and 1924 on the vibrant Fayetteville Street, the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel has weathered the sands of time to become the oldest surviving hotel building in the city.

Named after the legendary Sir Walter Raleigh, this hotel holds a significant place in the city's fabric. Often referred to as North Carolina's "third house of government," the hotel's strategic location and historical importance made it a focal point for state political activity well into the 1960s. Its role as a hub for political discourse and decision-making earned it a place in the hearts of the people and a unique place in history.

An embodiment of the architectural trends of the 1920s, the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel boasts an impressive ten-story structure with an L-shaped design, characterized by a sturdy brick exterior and classical stone ornamentation adorning its street and roof levels.

The hotel's resilience was tested during the Great Depression, leading to changes in ownership and a subsequent lease to the North State Hotel Company. This transition paved the way for a major renovation and expansion, propelling the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel to the forefront of North Carolina's convention scene. As the largest hotel in the state, it earned a reputation as a premier destination for events and gatherings.

By 1975, the building's purpose had transformed, and it became primarily occupied by offices for various entities, reflecting the shifting landscape of downtown Raleigh. Yet, the hotel's historical significance did not wane. Over the years, the building underwent various changes and adaptations. In 1978, the hotel found new life as the Sir Walter Apartments, offering comfortable living spaces for seniors.

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Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel on Map

Sight Name: Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Raleigh, North Carolina

Create Your Own Walk in Raleigh

Create Your Own Walk in Raleigh

Creating your own self-guided walk in Raleigh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Raleigh Introduction Walking Tour

Raleigh Introduction Walking Tour

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is often called the "City of Oaks" because there are many oak trees there. The city's origins go back to the late 1700s and are connected to the famous English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh from the 16th century. He tried to establish the first English colony in the Americas, known as the Roanoke Colony, which is now in North Carolina.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Historic Buildings Walking Tour

As you traverse the streets of North Carolina's capital Raleigh, you cannot help noticing a wealth of historic buildings, each illustrating a chapter in the city's annals.

Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles